Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Collection

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Vanilla Bean! They combine the richness of chocolate with a subtle hint of vanilla, creating an indulgent treat that feels a bit lighter than traditional brownies. The cottage cheese adds a unique creaminess and protein boost, making these brownies a better-for-you option. Every time I serve them, I’m amazed by the compliments I receive. It’s a delightful balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:01:34.671Z

When I first decided to experiment with cottage cheese in a brownie recipe, I was a bit skeptical about how it would turn out. To my surprise, the texture was incredibly moist, and the flavor was uniquely satisfying. The vanilla bean infusion is what truly elevates this treat, adding a fragrant note that complements the chocolate beautifully.

My secret tip? Blending the cottage cheese until smooth is crucial; it ensures that your brownies have a creamy consistency without any lumps. Trust me, this little detail makes all the difference in achieving that perfect fudgy brownie!

        Why You Will Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the elegance of vanilla bean
Creamy texture that is surprisingly light and moist
A healthier twist on classic brownies, perfect for sweet cravings

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, contributing both creaminess and moisture. When blended until smooth, it replaces a significant amount of traditional fats. This not only helps to keep the brownies moist but also adds a protein boost, making them a more satisfying treat. Choosing a full-fat variety can enhance the texture even further, resulting in a richer brownie that doesn't compromise on flavor.

It's important to ensure the cottage cheese is completely smooth before adding it to the mixture. Any lumps can lead to an uneven texture, resulting in brownies that have a less pleasant mouthfeel. I find using a high-speed blender or food processor works best for this purpose—just blend until you achieve a glossy consistency.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Baking time can vary based on your oven and the baking pan used. While the recipe suggests 25 to 30 minutes, I recommend checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If it comes out clean, the brownies might be slightly overbaked, risking a dry texture.

After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the brownies to set and makes them easier to cut without crumbling. I often place the pan onto a cooling rack for quicker cooling, which also helps maintain the moistness inside.

Serving and Enjoying Your Brownies

These cottage cheese brownies are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully. Drizzling a bit of homemade chocolate sauce or fresh berries on top can also elevate their presentation.

If you have leftovers—or even if you’re planning ahead—these brownies store exceptionally well in an airtight container. They can last up to five days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag to maintain freshness.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a blender, mix the cottage cheese until completely smooth. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean until combined.

Mix in Cocoa and Cottage Cheese

Add the cocoa powder and blended cottage cheese to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make these brownies gluten-free, you can easily swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum, as this ingredient will help bind the brownies and keep them from crumbling.

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu, blended until smooth. This variation still offers a creamy texture and additional protein but will create a slightly different flavor profile. You may also replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a satisfying crunch and elevate the texture of these brownies. Dark chocolate chips are also a fantastic addition, enhancing the chocolatey flavor even more. Just fold in about a half cup during the cocoa and cottage cheese mixing step.

For a fun twist, consider incorporating a hint of espresso powder into the brownie batter. This can intensify the chocolate flavor and provide a rich depth that collaborates beautifully with both the cocoa and vanilla bean.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, using low-fat cottage cheese works well, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ How can I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is there a substitute for eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.